HBO Plans Scientology Documentary Release

Oscar winning documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney (“Taxi to the Dark Side,” “Mea Maxima Culpa”) is reportedly putting the finishing touches on “Going Clear,” a film that tackles the Church of Scientology and its influence on Hollywood.

Based on Lawrence Wright’s controversial book, HBO commissioned the Scientology project two years ago, before the book’s publication. The film is expected to feature new revelations about the controversial religion and its famous followers.

HBO Documentary Films president Sheila Nevins says they have “probably 160 lawyers” looking at the film, and are expecting protests.

The plan is to release the project theatrically next year, with the doco likely to be submitted for the Sundance Film Festival in January.